Asthma Self-Management Education Program
This free program helps people learn about asthma and steps they can take to better control asthma symptoms. Studies show that people who get education for asthma self-management, along with their medical care, can improve their asthma control.
Asthma can't be cured but it can be managed. Well-controlled asthma means you can enjoy an active, healthy life.
For referrals contact: Leigh.Riley@maine.gov or call (207) 287-4083
Who is the Program for?
It is for adults and children with asthma and their caregivers. It is for Maine people who are being treated for asthma by their doctor, but feel asthma is still causing problems like:
- needing to use a rescue inhaler more than two days per week
- waking in the night because of coughing or breathing issues
- not being able to do activities you normally enjoy
- missing school or work
- needing to go to urgent care or the emergency department because of asthma
What does the program provide?
You will work with an asthma educator to:
- learn about asthma and what is happening to your body when you have symptoms
- understand how to use your asthma medications effectively
- make sure you have an asthma action plan from your doctor and know what to do when your asthma gets worse
- understand what makes your asthma worse and how to reduce or avoid them
- learn about community resources to reduce asthma triggers in your home
How Summer Can Affect Your Asthma
Campfires, fireworks, pollen and humidity are just a few common things that trigger your asthma during the summer. Understanding how seasonal activities and conditions affect your asthma can help you manage symptoms better. Common summer triggers include
- Camping trips and campfires
- Fireworks
- Hot & humid weather
- Pollen
- Sports and physical activity
How Summer Weather Can Affect Your Asthma
Understanding how different weather conditions affect your asthma can help you manage your symptoms better. Heat can cause your airways to tighten, making it harder to breathe and humidity can make the air feel heavy. Both can lead to asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Humidity can also spike levels of mold and dust mites which are common asthma triggers for those with Allergic Asthma.
Sudden changes in weather, like quick temperature drops or a storm, can cause asthma symptoms to flare up. These changes can increase the levels of allergens and irritants in the air. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can stir up pollen and break up pollen grains, making them smaller and easier to inhale impacting those with Thunderstorm Asthma.
Tips to Manage
- Drink water to stay hydrated
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity
- Close windows and use AC prior to a storm
- Check air quality and be aware of pollen counts
- Review the HeatRisk forecast
- Create an asthma action plan
For more on asthma check out the resources page.